Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

• 

  Great little car, not up to brutal winters - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Johannes Smith - January 17 - 10:56 am

  So, I should start with the positive - bought a 2010 Insight EX in 2015. On the used market, theyre going for sub 10K, and that means that entry level combustion engine cars are the same price as entry level hybrids. I had to give the hybrid a shot! In all the classic measurements of a car, the Insight excels. Acceleration is solid, it gets on the highway comfortably and can speed up to avoid hazards. Food for thought here, this car does 0-60 in 11.9 seconds. That compares to the gasoline Lancer of the same year at 11.4 seconds. The difference in fuel economy is a staggering 26MPG vs 43MPG. Ill leave you to do the cost/benefit analysis there. The interior is very comfortable, I love the seats. Safety features are cool (Im upgrading from a cromagnon car with 1 airbag, so Im excited to see 5 obvious airbags). The headlights on the EX are dazzlingly bright. For issues, there are 2 minor design flaws. Cabin view is not great - rearward visibility could be better with better pylon placement. The hatchback could also be roomier, it gets pretty tight back there. These are minor flaws - the view is most of the way there, and the hatchback is a great feature decently executed. The most perplexing issue with this overall great car is the winter performance. I am a Chicagoan. Sometimes, Chicago winter is colder than the dark side of the moon (seriously). This winter has been average. The Insights electric engine does not engage below a given temperature, usually below 20-30. The gasoline engine provides decent to good driving performance, but a much lower fuel efficiency. Im averaging 31MPG in January. Also, the A/C unit is relatively weak, so it takes a significant amount of time to get the car hot. Maybe its attempting to route heat to the hybrid drives battery, Im not sure - in either case, winter performance is out of line with general performance.

• 

  Very clean and fun car hard to find si jdm - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By Ricky - January 17 - 9:25 am

• 

  All around traveler - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Vi from seattle - January 16 - 10:20 pm

  If you need a good all around vehicle, I would recommend this one. Im really proud of this car. The trunk is really roomy and there is a lot of legroom. Perfect height for average people, even my 4yo can get in and out by herself. But still high enough to go through 2.5 feet of fresh snow up an 1/8 mile driveway. We used to have a honda odyssey minivan and we replaced it with this CRV. I was worried about stepping down from a V6 to 4 cylinder for our road trips. Going over the big mountain passes in cruise control, the odyssey would downshift to around 3k rpm and this CRV does the same. I feel that the lighter weight offsets the smaller engine. I would have given 5 stars if it werent for the darn VTC actuator clacking on cold starts and darn front seat head rests/restarints. I have checked with my mechanic and the VTC actuator is just an annoyance. I have to recline the front seat back a little and then the Fwd cant of the headrest is not so bad. The head rest was designed this way to reduce neck injury, so I understand. I took this car for a 3000 mile trip this last winter and it did about 25.5 mpg with blizzaKS and a Thule roof box. Again we had so much snow in utah. With studless snow tires on, I went through all sorts of snow. Handling was great going over Snoqualmie pass, blue mountains, Sierra nevadas, tahoe, donner pass and siskiyous. We had white out conditions with blowing snow and this little CRV did not skip a beat. Good tires are important to go and stop, awd just helps to go fwd. Ill update again after this spring break trip to Mt. Rushmore from Seattle. Hope this review helps

• 

  Vacation on the snow - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Linda Schaffer - January 15 - 12:59 pm

  Pricey. Good gas mileage. Drives really well. No chains needed in the snow.

• 

  Dont ever buy the accord. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Drew - January 15 - 5:04 am

  I brought this car because I needed something good on gas and not 30,000 dollars. - the rear brakes went bad at 40,000 miles - the front bumper stated sagging down from the Hood and headlights - cant get over the road noise. I blast the radio every time I drive it. - the car nudges when acceleration like the car not getting enough gas. Does have good power over 3500 rpm. - the seats are hard. Back hurts after long drives. Feels like you are sitting on a blanket with a piece of plywood on top. I thought when I brought it the seats would break in over time. Not this car. The seats are as hard as the day I got it. Now has 80000 miles on it. - chrome paint on grill is flaking off. Paint on hood started comming off. Looked like it was bubbling underneath the paint then every time I washed it I loosed paint. Has the hood painted at 50000 miles. I still cant get over the hood getting painted. I mean every time you get in the car and look out the window you always see the hood. - overall I still own the car. I wish I sold it to a couple who wanted it more than I did. Ive had Hondas in the past. But this one has the be the least one I like. The others were a 1986 crx. That was the most fun Honda I ever drove. It was fast good on gas everything. Next was a 1996 accord. It ran and drive fine when I sold it. Nothing went wrong with it. All said and done. For new honda owners test driving a car does not tell you everything. I know a lot of cars have the good things and the bad things about them. I brought my honda because at the time were the best selling cars. It looked cool sporty and in my price range. My 1990 mustang looks better and had no problems like the accord. But I dont think Ill buy another Honda. Ever

• 

  My first Honda, but definitely not my last - 2012 Honda Fit
  By mrj88 - January 14 - 2:51 pm

  Ive owned my Honda Fit for almost 4 years now, and Ive realized why people keep buying Hondas over and over again. After trading in a 1 year old Ford Fiesta that was in the shop over a half dozen times for all sorts of repairs, Im happy to say not a single thing has gone wrong with my 2012 Honda Fit. Nothing. Zilch. Nada. Gas mileage has been around 35mpg with mixed highway/city driving. Cargo space is crazy! The guy at IKEA was floored when I pulled around my subcompact car and nearly put an entire couch in the back. Stereo sounds great and works well with an iPod/iPhone/USB device. 5-speed transmission shifts smoothly while the engine purrs like a kitten. The only negatives should be obvious for a budget-esque small car. Acceleration is lacking to say the least. No Bluetooth. The car handles well, but youre gonna feel most bumps in the road. The air conditioning, while cold, kills the power and tends to freeze up after a 90 minute ride. Seats arent terrible, but overall comfort is so-so for long drives. The Fit is pretty light as well, so dont expect amazing performance in the snow. Base model doesnt come with a center console/armrest (I had one installed by Honda for less than $300 - completely worth it). Wipers only have 3 speeds. Regardless. If you want something new, affordable, functional, with great gas mileage, and incredibly reliable. The Fit is a fantastic choice. I hope to drive this car for a long time.

• 

  DISAPPOINTED IN THE CRV-OVERRATED - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By steve hubbard - January 14 - 10:12 am

• 

  LISTEN TO ME - 2013 Honda Accord
  By John B - January 14 - 8:28 am

• 

  Rock solid,easy to drive,great family vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Bob Kroha - January 14 - 7:18 am

  We bought this 2006 Honda Pilot with 14,000 miles on the odometer and could not be more pleased. The Pilot now has 216,000 miles on it and runs as good as the day we bought it. Maintenance over the years has been brakes , rotors , a timing belt at 140,000 miles. Other than standard upkeep , the radiator was replaced ( pin hole leak ) and an alternator around 200,000 miles. We still make comfortable trips from Ma to Nyc.It is still the vehicle of choice when transporting the grandchildren to various functions ,soccer and hockey games. We have even had two adults in the third row seat for one of our evenings out. We will now look at a 2016 Pilot because my daughter wants this one. Great Car. Hope the new Pilot is as good.

• 

  Great car, terrible dealers. - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Leonard M. - January 14 - 6:00 am

  I would say that the vehicle itself is probably one of the finest vehicles ever built in the US. Having purchased the exceedingly rare V6/manual combination, I was fortunate enough to find a car that met every criteria I was looking for. The vehicle itself is amply powered, well laid out, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. Build quality overall is good with only a few very minor fit/finish issues. On the road, the vehicle is rather fun to drive on the aggressive side due to the copious power and torque available throughout the operating range. Passing and highway merges are effortless...in fact the most difficult part of driving the car is maintaining legal speeds! Speaking to the manual transmission variant specifically, the vehicle has a satisfying shift action, but the clutch is very light and far less forgiving than other vehicles Ive driven. Sloppy technique is not tolerated by this drivetrain especially with its highly sensitive throttle response. A few months with this car will hone your manual driving skills with certainty. Ride is fairly firm but not jarring and handling is great with good stability in cornering and maneuvering. Steering feel is lacking as with most cars in this day and age. All in all, if youre looking for a V6 and manual transmission at a reasonable price, this vehicle is probably the best option available at this time. My only complaint lies with the sales process itself. Honda dealers are from my experience terrible. Never before have I had to endure as ultra high pressure and scummy a sales process as I went through for this vehicle. It seems to be that the only goal in the process is to inviscerate every buyer with aggressive and ridiculously over priced up sells to maximize profit. I had to literally walk out twice to get them to drop the sales pitch and execute the sale as I wanted. Service is also an issue...Honda dealers seem to have a system of harshly punishing those who do not use the original dealers service dept for service. In my case, I had to purchase the vehicle 2 hrs from my home due to a lack of inventory in my area in the configuration I wanted. Despite having no other place to buy the vehicle, I am subject to being gouged by my local dealer for routine maintenance/inspections since I didnt buy it from them. Overall, Id recommend this vehicle so long as you can avoid the sales process as much as possible. Use an Internet based car buying service and outright refuse to speak with any "finance manager" character in the midst of the process...find your own financing before you walk in. If the sales rep or Internet sales desk cant handle the sale themselves, terminate the process and find another dealer. Do not purchase any upsells as you can get everything they offer for 1/4 of the price from 3Rd parties. Any claims they make to the contrary are lies. Also, using a local dealer you intend to use for service will help improve your service experience.